Germany is sceptical about allowing Ukraine to join Nato because it is “afraid” of Russia’s reaction, Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
The Ukrainian president said Britain, France and Italy all appeared to support his so-called “Victory Plan”, which centres around his country’s admission into the military alliance.
However, not all European allies are on board, Mr Zelensky conceded.
Germany “is sceptical … that’s a fact,” he said, but added: “I believe their stance is softer than it was before”.
“But when it comes to the invitation I’m talking about now, they are afraid of … Russia’s reaction,” Mr Zelensky added.
The Ukrainian leader toured European capitals last week in an attempt to drum up support for his proposal, which he claims has the potential to “destroy” Russia’s invasion.
However, after failing to receive full-throttled support for the plan, Mr Zelensky appeared to suggest Ukraine could seek nuclear weapons unless it was given Nato membership.
“Either Ukraine will have nuclear weapons, which will serve as protection, or it must be part of some kind of alliance. Apart from Nato, we do not know of such an effective alliance,” Mr Zelensky said last week.
The Ukrainian president admitted on Monday that the United States – a key ally – was yet to give a firm response to the proposal, which includes loosening the rules of engagement for Western-made weapons, and was unlikely to do so until after the country’s elections on Nov 5.
“It’s very clear to me that all the major partners, especially during the election period, will be afraid of Russia’s reaction,” he said.